Page:The New International Encyclopædia 1st ed. v. 12.djvu/215

* LIBRARIES. 197 LIBRARIES. Kew York State Library took charge of its revision for the Saint Louis Exposition. Signiticant of the new part public libraries are playing is the action of one of the shrewdest observers among mankind's greatest friends, Andrew Carnegie, who, in his avowed purpose of distributing his wealtb for the greatest good of his fellows, finds nothing which promises so large returns as cooperation with communities which are willing to pledge themselves per- manently to devote, from public funds or other sources, for the annual maintenance of a public library, one-tenth the sum given by Mr. Carnegie for a building. Up to .Tanuary 1, 1903, Jlr. Carnegie had given 730 libraries and had appli- cations for SOO more, most of which he hoped to grant. The clearest testimony that the great library movement is accepted as educational is found in the fact that circulating, subscription, and pro- prietary libraries have given way before the tax-supported free public library, just as the private and denominational schools have been so often replaced by the ta.x-supported free high school. All the important steps in the develop- ment of the school system have already been taken also for libraries; such as educating public sentiment, making libraries entirely free, giving grants and subsidies from ]«iblic money, super- vision, reports, professional journals, training schools and classes corresponding to normal schools and teachers' classes, institutes, inspec- tors; and, .most important of all, establishing State library commissions, which will inevitably grow to State departments like that already established in New York. Two other steps are advocated to complete the correspondence: re- <iuiring librarians to attend institutes as a con- dition of receiving public libraiy money, and requiring State certification of librarians as to fitness for their duties. The conception of the library's scope and functions has broadened rapidly in recent years. The original library might be used by a privileged few. Then those who paid a fee might use it. Finally it was made free to all for reference. The thought of taking any book from the older libraries was as preposterous as that of borrow- ing specimens or pictures froni a museum. Then the favored few might borrow, then all who paid a fee, and finally came the broad plan of lending free to all. Then the library became aggressive, and reached out to secure readers as earnestly as a merchant to secure patrons. When Xew Y'ork established its Public Libraries Department, there were 40 public libraries in the State and 40.000 licensed saloons, with chances a thousand to one that a boy at leisure would find the open door and cordial welcome of a saloon, instead of opportunity to read the best books. In compet- ing with these rivals, branch libraries were established. But these did not get close enough tc the homes in all cases, and deliveries were added. The express, mail, and telephone were used to make the best books more accessible. One or more books were lent to readers at a distance; then home libraries were sent out to local centres for groups of a dozen children. Traveling libraries of .50 or 100 volumes of the choicest books were sent to every cnmmunity wishing them. The idea spread rapidly. The need of reaching rural homes too scattered for the larger collections led New York, in 1903, to offer the house library of 10 volumes. Book- wagons and ears with traveling librarians are now planned. I'erhaps the ni»st significant fea- tures of late years are the development of ref- erence librarians to answer questions; of the children's room and librarians devoted wholly to the needs of little people; of free access to open shelves so that all readers may have the ad- vantages of actually handling the books; pro- vision for those who cannot come to the library, by means of branches and traveling libraries; and the appraisement or evaluation of books by disinterested authorities, so that a reader may have a trustworthy guide in selecting from the millions of books in existence the one best adapt- ed to his needs. Librarians largely agree that the best name for local tax-supported libraries is 'public library,' preceded by the name of the city or town.- The word "free' is objectionable as sug- gesting charity, and 'circulating' is unnecessary, for all libraries are understood to be for lending unless called "reference.' The library has three functions: (1) As a storehouse ; (2) as a labora- tory for study and serious work; (3) as affording sane entertainment. Every complete library nmst have a reference and a lending department and general reading-rooms for periodicals. It should work in close touch with the schools, but imder independent trustees. Eiiiciencj' and economy make it the natural home for collections in sci- ence, art. or history; for lectures, meetings of clubs, and all interests outside the schools which help on education and culture, ilany Sunday- schools find it wiser to turn their books over to the public library, where Sunday-school teachers may meet during the week, with a<"cess to books, pictures, and all facilities for study. The library field is being rapidly enlarged in various direc- tions. Legislation aims to make it easy to establish and difficult to abolish libraries, to encourage gifts, to grant State aid to communities willing to help themselves, to collect the results of ex- perience and make them available in print and by personal expert advice, to protect library property by stringent laws, and to recognize in every direction the library as on the same plane with the school. Building. The location should be very near the business centre, but preferably on a side street just away from the turmoil of the main thoroughfare. In larger towns, branches and delivery stations should bring library facilities within easy walking distance of every home. For most libraries the heavy cost of fireproofing is needless, as most of their books can be readily replaced, and a vault or safe will hold their rarities. Small libraries often wisely occupy rented rooms: the order of importance being finst a competent librarian, then the best books, and after these a building. After the small rural building of one square room, the most obvious and successful types are shaped like capitals 1. L, T, H, E, according to space required. The other types are the hol- low square, the C!roek cross, and E with middle arm omitted. Circular, spiral, and other peculiar buildings have won no acceptance, except that some advocate a round end having radial stacks with each shelf in view of the delivery desk. The Pittsburg branches afford excellent examples of this type.